No subject
Fri Apr 23 14:26:27 CDT 2010
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/uranium/docs/uranium.pdf
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM)
Uranium Toxicity
Course: WB 1524
Original Date: May 1, 2009
Expiration Date: May 1, 2012
As I mentioned in an earlier posting, the following quotes from the above
training materials are:
"Uranium exposure in the occupational setting has been associated with
relatively few medical problems. Renal disease is related to over-exposure
to uranium, but it s not specific to uranium. Pulmonary disease is related
to dust exposure and is also not specific to uranium. These problems are
also not related to exposure to radiation; such problems would not be
expected unless the individual were handling highly enriched uranium." Ibid,
Pages 5-6.
"The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S.
National Toxicology Program (NTP) have no carcinogenicity ratings for
uranium. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn its
carcinogenicity classification for uranium." Ibid, Page 29
"Cancer among uranium miners has not been associated with exposure to
uranium, but instead with exposure to radon progeny, diesel exhaust
particles, arsenic, and other elements in the mine air which they breathe
[ATSDR 1999 (updated 2008)]". Ibid, Page 58
Literature Cited
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study in environmental medicine: taking an exposure history. Atlanta GA
[updated 2008 May 12; accessed 2009 March 13]. Available from:
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/exphistory/index.html
2. [ATSDR] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 1999.
Toxicological profile for uranium. Atlanta GA [updated 2008 August 08;
accessed 2009 April 14]. Available from:
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp150.html
3. Bhattacharyya MH, Larsen RP, Cohen N, Ralston LG, Moretti ES, Oldham RD,
et al. 1989. Gastrointestinal absorption of plutonium and uranium in fed and
fasted adult baboons and mice: Application to humans. Radiation Protection
Dosimetry 26:159-165.
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on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. Atlanta GA [updated 2009
February 23; accessed 2009 April 14]. Available from:
www.cdc.gov/ExposureReport/pdf/thirdreport.pdf
5. Diamond GL. 1989. Biological consequences of exposure to soluble forms of
natural uranium. Radiat Protect Dos 26:23-33.
6. [DOE] U.S. Department of Energy. 2000. Guide of Good Practices for
Occupational Radiological Protection in Uranium Facilities, US DOE Standard
1136-2000.
7. [DOE] Department of Energy. Office of Nuclear Safety, Quality Assurance
and Environment. Washington DC [updated 2009 May 11; accessed 2009 May 12].
Available from:
www.hss.energy.gov/nuclearsafety/
8. Drury JS. 1981. Uranium in U. S. surface, ground, and domestic waters.
Volume 1. Springfield VA: U. S. Department of Commerce. National Technical
Information Services.
9. [EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Technical fact sheet: final
rule for (non-radon) radionuclides in drinking water. Washington DC:
[updated 2006a September 19; accessed 2009 May 21]. Available from:
www.epa.gov/safewater/radionuclides/regulation_techfactsheet.html
10. [EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Basic information about
radionuclides in drinking water. Washington DC: [updated 2006b September 19;
accessed 2009 March 13]. Available from:
www.epa.gov/OGWDW/radionuclides/basicinformation.html
11. [EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radionuclides in drinking
water. Washington DC [updated 2006c September 19; accessed 2009 March 13].
Available from: www.epa.gov/safewater/radionuclides/index.html
12. [EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Laws we use (summaries)
uranium mill tailings radiation control act.Washington DC [updated 2009a
February 9; accessed 2009 March 13]. Available from:
www.epa.gov/rpdweb00/laws/laws_sum.html#umtrca
13. [EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radiation protection:
uranium. Washington DC [updated 2009b February 9; accessed 2009 May 21].
Available from:
www.epa.gov/radiation/radionuclides/uranium.html
14. Fisher DR, Jackson PO, Brodaczynski GG, Scherpelz RI. 1983. Levels of
234U, 238U and 230th in excreta of uranium mill crushermen. Health Phys
45:617-629.
15. Howland JW. 1949. Studies in human exposure to uranium compounds. In:
Pharmacology and toxicology of uranium compounds, vol 2. New York NY:
McGraw-Hill 26(1): 1-91.
16. Hursh JB, Spoor NL. 1973. Data on man. In: Hodge HC, Stannard JN, Hursh
JB, editors. Uranium-plutonium-transplutonic elements. New York NY:
Springer-Verlag: 197-239.
17. Ivannikov AT.1987. On medicative application of complexing agents in the
case of uranium intoxication. Moscow RU: Central Scientific Institute of
Information and Technical Research on Nuclear Science and Technology. Report
Oil-5-87:3-15.
18. Keith LS, Faroon OM, Fowler BA. 2007. Uranium. In: Handbook on the
toxicology of metals, 3rd Ed. San Diego: Academic Press p 881-901.
19. Kurttio P, Auvinen A, Salonen L, Saha H, Pekkanen J, Makelainen I, et
al. 2002. Renal effects of uranium in drinking water. Environ Health
Perspect 110 (4):337-42.
20. Kurttio P, Harmoinen A, Saha H, Salonen L, Karpas Z, Komulainen H, et
al. 2006. Kidney toxicity of ingested uranium from drinking water. Am J
Kidney Dis 47(6):972-82.
21. Lide DR. 1994. Uranium. In: Handbook of chemistry and physics. 74th
edition, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 31-32.
22. Lincoln TA, Voelz GL. 1990. Management of persons accidentally exposed
to uranium compounds. In: Ricks RC, Fry SA, editors. The medical basis for
radiation preparedness: II. Clinical experience and follow-up since 1979.
New York NY: Elsevier Science. p. 221-230.
23. MacNider WDB. 1916. The inhibition of the toxicity of uranium nitrate by
sodium carbonate, and the protection of the kidney acutely nephropathic from
uranium from the toxic action of an anesthetic by sodium carbonate. J Exp
Med 23:171-187.
24. [NIOSH] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH
documentation for immediately dangerous to life or health concentrations
(IDLHs) uranium, (soluble compounds as U).Washington DC [updated 1996 August
16; accessed 2009 March 13]. Available from:
www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/uranium.html
25. [NRC] U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Fact sheet on uranium mill
tailings. Rockville, MD [updated 2006 August; accessed 2009 March 13].
Available from:
www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/mill-tailings.htm
26. [NRC] U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Appendix B to Part
20--annual limits on intake (ALIs) and derived air concentrations (DACs) of
radionuclides for occupational exposure; effluent concentrations;
concentrations for release to sewerage. Rockdale MD [updated 2009 February
29; accessed 2009 March 12]. Available from:
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27. Orloff KG, Mistry K, Charp P, Metcalf S, Marino R, Shelly T, et al.
2004. Human exposure to uranium in groundwater. Environ Res 94:319-326.
28. [OSHA] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Regulations:
Standards-29 CFR table Z-1 limits for air contaminants-1910.1000. Washington
DC [updated 2006; accessed 2009 March 3]. Available from:
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29. [OSHA] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA safety and
health topics uranium (as U) insoluble compounds. Washington DC [updated
2004 March 24; accessed 2009 March 03]. Available from:
www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_274800.html
30. [OSHA] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA safety and
health topics uranium (as U) soluble compounds. Washington DC [updated 1999
January 19; accessed 2009 March 03]. Available from:
www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_274900.html
31. [REACTS] Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Radiation
Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site. Oak Ridge TN [updated 2008
September 22; accessed 2009 March 13]. Available from:
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32. [USGS] U.S. Geological Survey. National geologic map database. Reston VA
[updated 2008 September 17; accessed 2009 March 13]. Available from:
http://ngmdb.usgs.gov
33. [USGS] U.S. Geological Survey. Uranium Resources and Environmental
Issues. Reston VA [updated 2009a April 7; accessed 2009 March 13]. Available
from:
http://energy.cr.usgs.gov/other/uranium/more.html
34. [USGS] U.S. Geological Survey. Uranium resources-uranium information
system. Reston VA [updated 2009b April 06; accessed 2009 March 13].
Available from:
http://energy.cr.usgs.gov/other/uranium/uis.html
35. Voegtlin C., Hodge, HC, editors. 1953. The pharmacology and toxicology
of uranium compounds. New York NY: McGraw-Hill.
36. West CM, Scott LM. 1969. Uranium cases showing long chest burden
retention an updating. Health Phys 17:781-791.
37. Wrenn ME, Durbin PW, Howard B. 1985. Metabolism of ingested uranium and
radium. Health Phys 48:601-633.
Dan ii
--
Dan W McCarn, Geologist
108 Sherwood Drive
Los Alamos, NM 87544-3425
+1-505-310-3922 (Mobile - New Mexico)
HotGreenChile at gmail.com (Private email) HotGreenChile at gmail dot com
-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu
[mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of Roger Helbig
Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 19:16
To: Radsafe
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Wikipedia References on Depleted Uranium - Accurate
orNot?
Given that this Health Physics article "Modeling of the dispersion of
depleted uranium aerosol" is from April 2003 and the abstract starts out "is
a low cost radioactive material" - how accurate is the rest of this?
Thanks.
Roger Helbig
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium
The use of DU in munitions <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munitions> is
controversial because of questions about potential long-term health effects.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-MillerMcClain-3>
[4] Normal functioning of the kidney <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidney> ,
brain <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain> , liver
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liver> , heart
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart> , and numerous other systems can be
affected by uranium exposure, because in addition to being weakly
radioactive, uranium is a toxic metal
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_metal> .
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-Craft04-4> [5] It
is weakly radioactive and remains so because of its long half-life
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-life> (4.468 billion years for
uranium-238 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium-238> ). The aerosol
produced during impact and combustion of depleted uranium munitions can
potentially contaminate wide areas around the impact sites or can be inhaled
by civilians and military personnel.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-5>
[6] During a three week period of conflict in 2003 in Iraq
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq> , 1,000 to 2,000 tonnes of DU munitions
were used, mostly in cities.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-gaurdian2003-6> [7]
6. ^
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-ncbi.nlm.nih.gov_5-0
> a
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-ncbi.nlm.nih.gov_5-1
> b Mitsakou C, Eleftheriadis K, Housiadas C, Lazaridis M Modeling of the
dispersion <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12705453> of depleted
uranium aerosol. 2003 Apr, Retrieved January 15, 2009
Health Phys. <javascript:AL_get(this,%20'jour',%20'Health%20Phys.');> 2003
Apr;84(4):538-44.
Modeling of the dispersion of depleted uranium aerosol.
Mitsakou
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Mitsakou%20C%22%5BAuthor%5D> C,
Eleftheriadis
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Eleftheriadis%20K%22%5BAuthor%5D
> K, Housiadas
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Housiadas%20C%22%5BAuthor%5D>
C, Lazaridis
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Lazaridis%20M%22%5BAuthor%5D>
M.
Institute of Nuclear Technology-Radiation Protection, N.C.S.R. Demokritos,
15310 Ag. Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece.
Abstract
Depleted uranium is a low-cost radioactive material that, in addition to
other applications, is used by the military in kinetic energy weapons
against armored vehicles. During the Gulf and Balkan conflicts concern has
been raised about the potential health hazards arising from the toxic and
radioactive material released. The aerosol produced during impact and
combustion of depleted uranium munitions can potentially contaminate wide
areas around the impact sites or can be inhaled by civilians and military
personnel. Attempts to estimate the extent and magnitude of the dispersion
were until now performed by complex modeling tools employing unclear
assumptions and input parameters of high uncertainty. An analytical puff
model accommodating diffusion with simultaneous deposition is developed,
which can provide a reasonable estimation of the dispersion of the released
depleted uranium aerosol. Furthermore, the period of the exposure for a
given point downwind from the release can be estimated (as opposed to when
using a plume model). The main result is that the depleted uranium mass is
deposited very close to the release point. The deposition flux at a couple
of kilometers from the release point is more than one order of magnitude
lower than the one a few meters near the release point. The effects due to
uncertainties in the key input variables are addressed. The most influential
parameters are found to be atmospheric stability, height of release, and
wind speed, whereas aerosol size distribution is less significant. The
output from the analytical model developed was tested against the numerical
model RPM-AERO. Results display satisfactory agreement between the two
models.
The next Wikipedia paragraph says
The actual acute and chronic toxicity of DU is also a point of medical
controversy. Multiple studies using cultured cells and laboratory rodents
suggest the possibility of leukemogenic
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukemia> , genetic
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene> , reproductive
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproduction> , and neurological
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurological> effects from chronic exposure.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-MillerMcClain-3>
[4] A 2005 epidemiology <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology> review
concluded: "In aggregate the human epidemiological evidence is consistent
with increased risk of birth defects in offspring of persons exposed to DU."
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-Hindin-7> [8] The
World Health Organization
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization> states that no
consistent risk of reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects have
been reported in humans.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-8> [9]
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-9> [10] However,
the objectivity of this report has been called into question.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_note-10> [11]
4. ^
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-MillerMcClain_3-0> a
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-MillerMcClain_3-1> b
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-MillerMcClain_3-2> c
Miller AC, McClain D. (2007 Jan-Mar). "A review of depleted uranium
biological effects: in vitro and in vivo studies". Rev Environ Health 22
(1): 75-89. PMID <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifier> 17508699
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17508699> .
Rev Environ Health.
<javascript:AL_get(this,%20'jour',%20'Rev%20Environ%20Health.');> 2007
Jan-Mar;22(1):75-89.
A review of depleted uranium biological effects: in vitro and in vivo
studies.
Miller
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Miller%20AC%22%5BAuthor%5D> AC,
McClain
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22McClain%20D%22%5BAuthor%5D> D.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Armed Forces
Radiobiology Research Institute, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Building 42,
Bethesda, MD 20889-5603, USA. millera at afrri.usuhs.mil
Abstract
The use of depleted uranium in armor-penetrating munitions remains a source
of controversy because of the numerous unanswered questions about its
long-term health effects. Although no conclusive epidemiologic data have
correlated DU exposure to specific health effects, studies using cultured
cells and laboratory rodents continue to suggest the possibility of
leukemogenic, genetic, reproductive, and neurological effects from chronic
exposure. Until issues of concern are resolved with further research, the
use of depleted uranium by the military will continue to be controversial.
8. ^ <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-Hindin_7-0> a
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-Hindin_7-1> b
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-Hindin_7-2> c
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depleted_uranium#cite_ref-Hindin_7-3> d
Hindin, R. et al. (2005).
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1242351/> "Teratogenicity of
depleted uranium aerosols: A review from an epidemiological perspective".
Environmental Health 4: 17. PMID
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PubMed_Identifier> 1242351
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1242351> .
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1242351/.
The heavily Traprock influenced report by Hindin who no longer works in the
field of epidemiology and is associated with a food cooperative in New
Jersey continues to be referenced - this report should be shown to have no
scientific significance given Hindin's lack of objectivity.
In the report, the principal researcher Rita Hindin says
"Sunny Miller, executive director of Traprock Peace Center of Deerfield, MA
hosted a presentation by Damacio Lopez (director of IDUST, International
Depleted Uranium Study Team) http://www.idust.net/#HISTORY which Rita
Hindin attended and that eventually led to the writing of this paper. Our
appreciation. Thanks to Dan Bishop (of IDUST) and Tom Fasy (Mt. Sinai
Medical Center, NYC) for their assistance early on explicating DU
toxicology, and to the Uranium Weapons Study Team (of Traprock Peace Center)
for thoughtful conversations and support to explore leads and deepen
understanding of DU. Thanks to the conveners and attendees of the World
Uranium Weapons Conference Hamburg Germany, October 16 - 19, 2003. Of
greatest importance, Rita's attendance afforded her the opportunity to share
thoughtful conversation with and learn from Iraqi researchers, Drs. Jennan
Hassan, Jawad Al-Ali and Souad Al-Azzawi. We offer deep thanks,
appreciation and respect for the information they shared, and for work that
they and their colleagues are doing. We deeply appreciate the reporters and
activists who have managed, against great odds, to report bits of
information out of Iraq and who, as responsible, thoughtful citizens of many
countries, assert their dignity and demand appropriate response to the
challenges posed by DU aerosols. Rita also had the opportunity to speak
with and learn from Drs. Chris Busby and Michel Fernex at the Hamburg
conference. Their contributions to this paper stem from their long-term,
on-going, related research as well as, more particularly, to the helpful and
thoughtful comments they gave as peer reviewers of the submitted manuscript.
Thanks to Tova Neugut for insightful conversations and for reading many
early drafts of the manuscript. Jaime DeLemos helped us figure out the
chemistry of depleted uranium."
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